Nothing says summertime like sunshine + popsicle-stained sticky fingers. And the Lexington Police Department is helping to bring a sprinkle of sweetness around town with its special police vehicle — the Operation Copsicle van. We spoke with LPD to learn more about this community-building initiative. |
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Big L helping serve up some popsicles. | Photo via Lexington Police Department |
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A sweet start
Despite helping to spark a national conversation, Operation Copsicle has humble local beginnings. It started in the summer of 2017 when Officer Ryan Holland brought free popsicles to the kids at Douglass Park. Officer Holland began a fundraiser to help fill the freezer + in less than a month he collected ~72,000 popsicles for kids in Lexington.
Expansion
After garnering attention from national snack brands Jel Sert and Fla-Vor-Ice, “Pops from Cops” was born. The partnership brought 80,000 popsicles to LPD for use in our community. The idea then grew + expanded to law enforcement agencies across the country.
As the program grew nationally, so did the ideas. The thought of a “Copsicle” van came about after connecting with a fellow officer in Massachusetts. Officer Holland pitched the idea + Chief Lawrence Weathers gave it the green light in 2021.
In less than a month, Officer Holland and the Lexington Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association raised $45,000+ to purchase the van. |
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Operation Copsicle helps connect officers + the community. | Photo via Lexington Police Department |
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More than just a van The Operation Copsicle van can be spotted serving smiles + sweet treats in neighborhoods around the city. Depending on availability, it also makes appearances at various community events.
Fun fact: The van also doubles as an entertainment center — featuring a large outdoor movie screen, projector, audio system, and a popcorn machine.
The program is currently looking for sponsors to help cover movie-licensing fees in hopes of bringing family-friendly movie nights to the community. You can get more information on how to help by reaching out here.
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Share this sweet story to spread some feel good Friday vibes. |
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Today -
One Sound | Fri., Aug. 5 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Castlewood Park, 201 Castlewood Dr. | Free | Don’t miss an evening of R&B, soul, funk + dance music at Northside Nights’ free concert series. 🎶
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Corey Smith | Fri., Aug. 5 | 8 p.m. | Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. | $20 | Catch this Southeast native singer-songwriter performing hits like “The Broken Record” and “Live in Chattanooga.”
Saturday - Elmwood Stock Farm Traditions | Sat., Aug. 6 | 9-11 a.m. | Elmwood Stock Farm, 3520 Paris Rd. | $10 | Learn how food gets from the farm to your plate at this outdoor adventure.
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Kentucky Football Fan Day | Sat., Aug. 6 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Joe Craft Football Training Center, 295 Alumni Dr. | Free | Get a sneak peek at this year’s football team at their annual open practice session. 🏈
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Nickelodeon Double Dare Night | Sat., Aug. 6 | 6:30 p.m. | Wild Health Field, 207 Legends Ln. | Prices vary | Score free tickets to watch the Legends face off against the Genomes when you dress as your favorite Nickelodeon character. ⚾
Sunday - Yoga for Southeastern Kentucky Flood | Sun., Aug. 7 | 11 a.m. | Pilates at Breath Studio, 250 Walton Ave., Ste. 156 | Donations encouraged | Enjoy a relaxing yoga class where 100% of donations will support eastern Kentucky flood victims.
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Drag Brunch | Sun., Aug. 7 | 11:30 a.m. | KSBar & Grille, 1030 S. Broadway | $30 | Live entertainment plus $15 all you care to drink mimosas + bloody marys 🥂
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Ballet Under the Stars | Sun., Aug. 7 | 8-10 p.m. | Woodland Park, 601 E. High St. | $8 | Spend the night watching professional ballet including music from “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack + performers from the Kentucky Ballet Theatre. 🩰
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We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends. |
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.* |
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Weather - 83º | Thunderstorms | 60% chance of rain
Development -
Commercial real estate company NAI Isaac announced the sale of University Plaza — a shopping center located at the corner of Euclid Avenue and Woodland Avenue that is home to businesses like Lynagh’s + Great Bagel. The new owner, whose name hasn’t been released, plans to renovate the building. Leasing opportunities are currently available. (Lane Report)
Community -
Tomorrow, Sat., Aug. 6, from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., is Mayor Linda Gorton’s Mayor’s Neighborhood Summit at the Lexington Senior Center, 195 Life Ln. The community is invited to learn about various civic topics including the newly-created Department of Housing Advocacy and Community Development. Registration is available onsite. (City of Lexington)
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Do you love the historic Kentucky Theatre? Then consider becoming a member with its new membership program. There are different levels available + benefits include discounted admission, concessions, and access to members-only events. Learn more. 📽️
Active -
The 10th annual Girls on the Run Central Kentucky Tennis Tournament hits the courts at the Lexington Tennis Club from Fri., Aug. 19-Sat., Aug. 20. This year, it's open to all levels of players with match options for men, women, singles, doubles, and mixed. Register by Aug. 15. 🎾
Sports Lexingtonian -
Congratulations to activist, ONE Lexington director + hip-hop artist Devine Carama for winning an Emmy Award for his “Positively LEX18” theme song. Mayor Linda Gorton noted that Devine is the first hip-hop artist from Kentucky to win the award. Watch the music video. 🏆 (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Theater -
Thanks to Reader Carson R. for letting us know about Ingénueity Unlimited’s live performances of “By A Thread.” The play is an “embellished reimagining” of the Grimm Brothers’ tale, “The Brave Little Tailor.” The show kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. at the Woodford Theatre, 275 Beasley Rd., Versailles. 🎭
Job -
Lexington’s Habitat for Humanity is currently looking for its next CEO. The organization is dedicated to providing shelter to the community in need + is seeking an individual with that same passion, as well as vision and strategy for the company’s future. Click here to learn more about the position.
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Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream currently has several job openings. Its Clays Mill location is on the lookout for a General Manager and an Assistant Manager. The Manchester location is seeking a shift leader. Delivery driver + warehouse assistant positions are also available. 🍨
Shop -
More savings, more perks. Take advantage of free grocery delivery, double the Fuel Points, and specialty savings when you become a Kroger Boost member. 🛒 *
Learn -
Calling all visual learners. Get the data and visuals you need to actually understand current events (and kill it at dinner parties) with Chartr’s visual newsletter. More than 200,000 data-driven subscribers already use Chartr to stay up to date on biz, tech, entertainment + society, so you know it’s good. Subscribe. 📈 *
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Check out our reel for some deliciously-good details. | Photo by LEXtoday |
Hey y’all, Erin here. 👋 On Wednesday, I got a sneak peek at the brand new Dave’s Hot Chicken at 2630 Richmond Rd. I was immediately greeted by kind staff, invited inside the cool graffitied walls + was clearly informed of the finger lickin’ good menu options. This West Coast-founded joint allows you to pick the kick to your chicken, from no spice to “The Reaper.” I ordered light mild strips with drizzled honey on top, along with fries, pickle chips and toast. 🍯 The doors officially open to the public today at 11 a.m. Treat yourself this weekend to sliders, mac n’ cheese, kale slaw + more. 🍗
Pro tip: Ask for extra Dave’s sauce + thank us later. 💯
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Editor's pick: Happy Friday, y'all. Tonight I'm excited to head to the Lexington Opera House to see Lexington Theater Company's production of "Chicago." If you haven't been to a show at the Opera House, I can't recommend it enough. And LTC knows how to put on a show. Check the schedule so you can experience the magic yourself.
Missed yesterday's newsletter? Find something fun to do this month with a few of our favorite August events. | |
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